About Me

Hello, my name is Robert. I live in a large house which is located in a suburb of Sydney. Last year, I noticed that water was beginning to leak through the surface of the roof into my attic space. At the time, I had zero experience of dealing with leaking roofing so I contacted a roofing contractor. The contractor was very patient and explained that several tiles had become damaged and that while he could repair them, it was probably best to reroof the house. I learn a lot from that contractor and he helped me to select the best type of material for my new roof. I am really pleased with the result.

Roofing tiles are quite long-lasting, and they are strong enough to withstand high mechanical stress and harsh weather conditions. However, these roofing elements are neither everlasting nor infallible. In simple terms, the tiling will experience natural wear and tear due to exposure to shifting weather. Also, they can sustain damage from external forces such as falling branches. If you notice cracks in your tiles, you should conduct immediate repairs. Here are practical guidelines for sealing simple fractures in roof tiles.

Plan for Elevated Access

Tiled roofs are not designed to support human weight. If a lot of weight is exerted on the roofing system, you might cause more damage and increase the cost of repairs. Therefore, you should prepare a suitable elevated platform to help you access the damaged tiles. In general, an extendable ladder is the ideal choice for DIY enthusiasts. This equipment is easy to use, and it will prevent damage to your roof. The rubber supports on the structure will prevent slippage, and the ladder will distribute your weight, minimising the risk of damage.

Clean the Cracked Area

You should clean the damaged section of the tile before proceeding with repairs. If the crack or fracture has dust and grime, the repair material will not create a long-lasting bond after application. You should use a fine-toothed wire brush or a simple toothbrush to clear the debris in the crack. Then, you should use some soap and water to wash the tile. Scrub the tile thoroughly and rinse it well to clear out the soap. You should allow the roofing tile to dry completely before continuing with repair. You should note that moisture can compromise the effectiveness of your patching compound, so make sure everything is truly dry.

Seal with Silicone Caulking

Finally, you should use a sealing product to repair the cracked section of the tile. There are numerous patching products on the market to consider for your project. However, silicone caulking will provide the greatest benefits. The compound is long-lasting, and it will seal the fracture, making it impermeable to water. You should apply your silicone caulking using a putty knife; spread it over the crack evenly for optimal performance. Once the fracture is sealed, you should clean the excess caulking using a rag and mineral spirits.

If your tiles are severely damaged, you might not be able to restore your roof using simple crack repair techniques. For the best results, you should consult roof tilers.